Malaise is a medical term describing a feeling of general discomfort or uneasiness - a general but non-specific feeling of being unwell. It is usually the first symptom of an infection and will appear in advance of a fever. However, it is highly non-specific and can indicate anything from a benign condition like emotional upset to a life-threatening disease such as stroke.
A person suffering malaise should seek medical attention, and physicans must do a full examination to rule out serious conditions.